Friends of the Environment

Abaco, Bahamas

Invasive Brazilian Pepper

Brazilian-Pepper

(Schinus terebinthifolius)

is a medium-sized evergreen shrub-like tree native to Brazil and Paraguay. This small shrub-like tree grows rapidly and typically 15 to 30 feet in height. The Brazilian pepper is related to poisonwood, poison oak, and poison ivy. This shrub-like tree produces dense clusters of small berries that change from green to bright red as they ripen. Local dispersal of this species is primarily by raccoons. Long-distance spread is facilitated by fruit-eating birds. Brazilian pepper berries have been reported to produce a narcotic or toxic effect on native birds and wildlife during certain parts of the year.

Brazilian pepper invasions represent a significant threat to native plant and wildlife populations.

Typically, Brazilian pepper forms dense forests that exclude all other plant life by producing a dense closed canopy. These forests are considered to be poor habitat for native wildlife species and may negatively impact bird populations.

• Environmental damage caused by Brazilian Pepper forests:
• Brazilian Pepper produces dense closed canopy forests that shade out almost all other plant life.
• Brazilian Pepper forests alter natural fire regimes.
• Brazilian Pepper forests are considered to be poor habitat formative wildlife species.
• Because of its relationship to poison ivy, many who come in contact with its sap develop allergic skin reactions.

Alternative Native Trees and Shrubs

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